Global Trade & Economics

U.S. Factory Activity Hit a 14-Year High in August

U.S. manufacturing activity accelerated to more than a 14-year high in August, boosted by a surge in new orders, but growing concerns over rising raw material costs as a result of import tariffs could restrain further growth.

September 5, 2018

Reuters

U.S. manufacturing activity accelerated to more than a 14-year high in August, boosted by a surge in new orders, but growing concerns over rising raw material costs as a result of import tariffs could restrain further growth.

Pfizer's Costly Divorce: Pharma Giant Says Brexit Will Cost It $100M

European companies aren’t alone in their Brexit pain. Pfizer, the U.S.-based drug behemoth, says its costs for dealing with the upcoming split will reach $100m.

September 5, 2018

Fortune

European companies aren’t alone in their Brexit pain. Pfizer, the U.S.-based drug behemoth, says its costs for dealing with the upcoming split will reach $100m.

Podcast | Widescale Reshoring of U.S. Manufacturing Isn’t Happening. Here’s Why.

By now, American manufacturers were supposed to be stampeding back to the U.S., making products at home for the local market. So why isn’t that happening to any great degree?

August 31, 2018

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

By now, American manufacturers were supposed to be stampeding back to the U.S., making products at home for the local market. So why isn’t that happening to any great degree?

Trump Announces Separate U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement, Says Canada May Join Later

The Trump administration said Monday it had reached a new, 16-year trade deal with Mexico, setting in motion a rapid chain of events that could redraw the world’s largest trade agreement.

August 28, 2018

The Washington Post

The Trump administration said Monday it had reached a new, 16-year trade deal with Mexico, setting in motion a rapid chain of events that could redraw the world’s largest trade agreement.

China’s Consumption Downgrade: Skip Avocados, Cocktails and Kids

Chen Siqi doesn’t eat out so much anymore. Li Keli cut down on travel and takes her son to a public playground instead. Wang Jiazhi stopped dating.

August 27, 2018

The New York Times

Chen Siqi doesn’t eat out so much anymore. Li Keli cut down on travel and takes her son to a public playground instead. Wang Jiazhi stopped dating.

Podcast | Can the U.S.-Canada Trading Relationship Be Saved?

The dispute between the U.S. and Canada over renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement threatens to do serious damage to one of the closest diplomatic friendships in the world today.

August 24, 2018

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

The dispute between the U.S. and Canada over renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement threatens to do serious damage to one of the closest diplomatic friendships in the world today.

With Brexit Looming, Energy Sector Builds New Links to Europe

While Westminster attempts to deliver Brexit within months, the U.K.’s energy system is set to become dramatically more dependent on the EU just as Britain leaves.

August 23, 2018

The Guardian

While Westminster attempts to deliver Brexit within months, the U.K.’s energy system is set to become dramatically more dependent on the EU just as Britain leaves.

Bitter Sweets: Inside Big Chocolate’s Child Labor Problem

For a decade and a half, the big chocolate makers have promised to end child labor in their industry — and have spent tens of millions of dollars in the effort.

August 22, 2018

Fortune

For a decade and a half, the big chocolate makers have promised to end child labor in their industry — and have spent tens of millions of dollars in the effort.

‘Made in Cambodia’ May Become New Fashion Label With Tariffs Hitting China

The next designer handbag you buy is less likely to bear a “made in China” label.

August 22, 2018

Bloomberg

The next designer handbag you buy is less likely to bear a “made in China” label.

Chinese Blockchain Company Targets Maritime Silk Road

Chinese technology company Yuanben and Maritime Silk Road Platform, part of China's Zhuozhi Logistics Group, have signed an agreement to provide blockchain services for global maritime freight.

August 21, 2018

Maritime Executive

Chinese technology company Yuanben and Maritime Silk Road Platform, part of China's Zhuozhi Logistics Group, have signed an agreement to provide blockchain services for global maritime freight.